There is as yet no accepted definition of traditional knowledge (TK) at the international level.

“Traditional knowledge,” as a broad description of subject matter, generally includes the intellectual and intangible cultural heritage, practices and knowledge systems of traditional communities, including indigenous and local communities (traditional knowledge in a general sense or lato sensu).  In other words, traditional knowledge in a general sense embraces the content of knowledge itself as well as traditional cultural expressions, including distinctive signs and symbols associated with traditional knowledge.

In international debate, “traditional knowledge” in the narrow sense refers to knowledge as such, in particular the knowledge resulting from intellectual activity in a traditional context, and includes know-how, practices, skills, and innovations.  Traditional knowledge can be found in a wide variety of contexts, including:  agricultural knowledge;  scientific knowledge; technical knowledge;  ecological knowledge;  medicinal knowledge, including related medicines and remedies;  and biodiversity-related knowledge, etc.